| Billy Bounce | |
| Author: | W. W. Denslow (1901-1902) |
| Current: | C. W. Kahles (1902–1905) |
| Status: | Concluded |
| First: | November 10, 1901 |
| Last: | December 3, 1905 |
| Syndicate: | McClure Newspaper Syndicate |
| Genre: | Humor |
Billy Bounce was a comic strip published erratically by noted illustrator W. W. Denslow (1901–1902) and later C. W. Kahles (1902–1905) between November 10, 1901, and December 3, 1905.[1] The strip centers on the actions of the title character, a ball-shaped boy who is capable either of bouncing long distances or actual flight. It is noted as one of the earliest comic strips in which the protagonist has superpowers.[2]
Like its contemporary, Little Nemo in Slumberland, which came shortly after Billy Bounce, the strip dealt with otherworldly situations and often had recurring characters, including the King of the Pollywogs,[3] Fuzzy White and Prunes the Pieman. An alternate title for the series was Billy Bounce and the Pollywogs; the Pollywogs were introduced on October 9, 1904.[1]
In September 1906, Denslow published a single novel based on Billy's adventures, titled simply Billy Bounce. Denslow provided illustrations and the text was written by Dudley A. Bragdon.[4] It was published by G. W. Dillingham Company in New York.[5]